BBC viewers warned they may be locked out of iPlayer as broadcaster admits Wi-Fi blocking error

BBC viewers have been warned they may be unable to catch up on TV shows via the iPlayer app due to a “widespread” error.

The broadcaster has said it is aware of an issue with the technology used to stop non-UK users accessing iPlayer by hiding their IP addresses.

AlamyD49J25 Watching TV via BBC iPlayer on a laptop computer[/caption]

The BBC, like Netflix and many other streamers, use the geographic blocking of IP addresses to restrict access to just those that pay for it.

UK viewers watching iPlayer can do so at their UK-based address by paying for a national TV licence.

But cheeky freeloaders from overseas try masking their foreign IP addresses as UK ones in a bid to watch British telly.

Technology can sniff this out, and boot naughty viewers off the app.

However, the technology appears to be experiencing an error, as it is wrongfully blocking legitimate UK users too.

The issue is currently under investigation, according to a notice from the BBC.

“We are aware of a widespread issue where users are recognised as being outside of the UK,” the broadcaster wrote.

“Some users are seeing error message 02066.

“We are investigating and will update this page as soon as we know more. 

“In the meantime, using another network where possible may help.”

There doesn’t appear to be an official, or immediate, fix yet.

Although, it is encouraged you disable any Proxy Servers or Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) you may be using, according to ISP Preview.

This is because these often assign a non-UK IP address to devices and households, instead of relying on the address given to you by your internet provider.

If you have neither of those set up, then enabling a VPN that connects to a UK server might actually help the BBC’s technology recognise your devices as ones that are ‘allowed’ to watch iPlayer.